Tom Lake

How big is Tom Lake?

How deep is Tom Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Tom Lake?

Are there topographical lake maps available Tom Lake?

We have an topograpical map for online viewing near the top of this page. Lake-Link Pro users can download an print a topograpical map of Tom Lake (.pdf format) along with 2,700 more lake maps. For more information on all the benefits of Lake-Link Pro click here.

Tom Lake

Are there boat launches on Tom Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Tom Lake?

Tom Lake is a 404 acre lake located approximately 7 miles northwest of Hovland. Public access is through a boat landing on the northwest side of the lake. Tom Lake part of the Lake Superior North watershed and is the headwater lake of the Swamp River. Tom Lake is primarily managed for walleye. The 2023 standard lake survey was conducted to monitor the fish community, record current limnological conditions, and evaluate walleye management goals currently in place for Tom Lake.

Walleye abundance was in the normal range for Tom Lake and met the current management goal. Catch rates are comparable to similar area lakes. Walleye ranged from 8.5 to 26.9 inches with a mean length of 14.3 inches. Aging results indicated the presence of 8 naturally reproduced year classes with the oldest individual appearing to be 23 years old. Back calculated growth rates indicated slower growth than similar area lakes with age 5 fish averaging 14.6 inches compared to an area average of 16.0 inches. Tom Lake continues to maintain a decent walleye fishery with some large fish present.

Northern pike catch rates are extremely low and had been declining since 1990. Only a single fish was found in the 2013, 2016, and 2023 surveys combined. Northern pike populations may not recover if they continue to be this low.

Lake whitefish and burbot represent the coldwater fish community in Tom Lake. Lake whitefish abundance was similar to recent surveys and fell within the normal range for similar Minnesota lakes (Class 6). Like past surveys, burbot were sampled in low numbers but were large in size.

Yellow perch catch rates were the highest recorded for Tom Lake and had been increasing since 2013. Catch rates were much higher than similar Minnesota lakes (Class 6). Yellow perch ranged from 5.7 to 10.5 inches with a mean length of 7.2 inches. Yellow perch not only provide excellent forage opportunity for walleye in Tom Lake but may also provide an angling opportunity for large yellow perch.

White sucker abundance was higher than previous surveys and had been increasing since 2013 but remain in the normal range when compared to similar Minnesota Lakes (Class 6).

Cook County, Minnesota lakes continue to be susceptible to aquatic invasive species introductions. Invasive species have the potential to significantly alter fish communities and overall lake health. Anglers should clean watercraft and fishing gear, drain all water, and dispose of unused bait in the trash to prevent accidental introductions.

Are there any state parks near Tom Lake?